What is Equine Assisted Therapy? Luxury Mental Health Treatment in Arizona
- The Summit
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Equine-assisted therapy (EAT), also called equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP), is a groundbreaking form of mental health treatment that integrates horses into the therapeutic process.
This experiential approach allows clients to gain emotional insights, develop coping strategies, and heal from trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and substance use disorders. At The Summit Sanctuary, Arizona’s premier luxury treatment center, equine-assisted therapy is delivered in a serene, resort-like environment where clinical excellence meets luxury wellness.
What is Equine Assisted Therapy: Luxury Mental Health Treatment in Arizona
Equine-assisted therapy, is a groundbreaking form of mental health treatment that integrates horses into the therapeutic process. This experiential approach allows clients to gain emotional insights, develop coping strategies, and heal from trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and substance use disorders. At The Summit Sanctuary, Arizona’s premier luxury treatment center, equine-assisted therapy is delivered in a serene, resort-like environment where clinical excellence meets luxury wellness.
Research supports these benefits. A 2023 study found that six weeks of equine-assisted therapy significantly improved emotion regulation, self-efficacy, and perceived self-esteem in individuals with substance use disorders (source). Another study showed that equine therapy reduces psychological distress, hyperactivity, and violent behaviors (source).
Understanding Equine-Assisted Therapy
Equine-assisted therapy is unique because it combines traditional psychotherapy with hands-on, experiential learning involving horses. During sessions, clients engage in activities such as:
Grooming and feeding horses
Leading and guiding horses through exercises
Observing how emotions influence the horse’s behavior
Horses are highly sensitive to human emotions, offering nonjudgmental feedback that helps clients develop emotional regulation, self-awareness, empathy, trust, and confidence. Unlike traditional talk therapy, equine-assisted therapy engages all the senses, encouraging clients to process feelings in a dynamic and reflective environment.
How Equine Therapy Sessions Work
At The Summit Sanctuary, equine-assisted therapy sessions are customized to meet each client’s unique goals and therapeutic needs. Every session is guided by a licensed mental health professional in partnership with an equine specialist.
During each session, clients observe the horse’s reactions to their behavior, fostering insight into their emotional patterns. Horses act as mirrors, helping clients develop mindfulness, focus, and self-reflection. Sessions are often integrated with other evidence-based clinical therapies, providing a comprehensive treatment approach that addresses mental health and substance use simultaneously.
Integrating Equine Therapy with Clinical and Wellness Treatments
Equine-assisted therapy at The Summit Sanctuary is not a stand-alone treatment. It is part of a fully integrated program that combines mental health treatment, substance use recovery, and holistic wellness.
Our clinical offerings include:
➤ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
➤ Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
➤ Motivational Interviewing (MI)
➤ Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFST)
➤ Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
➤ Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
➤ Medication Management
➤ Brain Mapping (QEEG)
➤ Photobiomodulation (PBM) Therapy
➤ Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Alongside these therapies, clients participate in holistic wellness programs, such as:
➤ Yoga & Meditation
➤ Massage & Acupuncture
➤ Equine Therapy
➤ Fitness & Nutrition Programming
➤ Aquatic Therapy
➤ Private Cinematic Relaxation
This mind-body-spirit approach ensures that physical, emotional, and psychological healing are fully aligned, maximizing the benefits of equine-assisted therapy.
Luxury Amenities and Healing Environment
Equine-assisted therapy offers unique advantages that traditional therapy often cannot provide. Key benefits include:
Emotional regulation – Horses mirror human emotions, helping clients identify and manage feelings.
Trust-building – Working with a large, sensitive animal fosters trust in oneself and others.
Confidence and empowerment – Successfully interacting with a horse boosts self-esteem.
Nonverbal communication skills – Clients learn to observe, interpret, and respond thoughtfully.
Stress reduction – Being around horses and nature promotes relaxation and mindfulness.
Complementary healing – Enhances outcomes when combined with clinical therapies for mental health and substance abuse.
Equine therapy also provides hands-on experiences that reinforce progress in anxiety management, PTSD recovery, addiction treatment, ADHD support, and emotional regulation, offering a holistic, transformative pathway to wellness.
Who Can Benefit from Equine-Assisted Therapy?
Equine-assisted therapy is effective for a wide range of clients, including:
Adults and youth struggling with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or trauma
Individuals in substance use recovery looking to build trust, communication, and coping skills
Children and teens experiencing behavioral or emotional challenges
Families seeking a shared therapeutic experience
Anyone pursuing personal growth, resilience, and self-discovery
By tailoring each session to individual needs, our team ensures that clients achieve meaningful progress in a safe, nurturing environment.
Experience Equine Therapy at The Summit Sanctuary
At The Summit Sanctuary, equine-assisted therapy is more than a treatment—it is a luxurious, transformative experience that combines clinically advanced mental health care, holistic wellness, and personalized attention. Our proprietary curriculum and interdisciplinary approach ensure that clients receive the most effective, evidence-based care available.
Whether you are seeking support for mental health challenges, addiction recovery, or trauma healing, equine-assisted therapy at The Summit Sanctuary provides a sanctuary for growth, reflection, and empowerment.
Contact us today to learn more about our equine-assisted therapy programs and schedule a consultation. Discover how this unique, luxury approach can help you heal, grow, and thrive.
